Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Well, according to Haley, theres a competition at every position. Hell, he doesnt even know who'll be the HC come regular season.

crazycoffey

06-12-2009, 02:33 AM

Lets all quote the entire article again, it should be alot of fun....

pr_capone

06-12-2009, 02:46 AM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Hell it could be the longest 100 post thread ever!!!! Let's get to work!

Hog Farmer

06-12-2009, 04:10 AM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Damn I wish we had not traded Gonzalez. He would make Cassel so much better.

RedandGold

06-12-2009, 05:07 AM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

I just wish Cottam was separating himself from the pack a little more. :evil:

Fire Me Boy!

06-12-2009, 05:54 AM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Competition tight for Gonzalez?s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that?s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez?s scraps ? and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam?s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs? five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that?s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

?We went from being thin,? Haley said this week, ?to having a nice competition.?

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez?s heir apparent, hasn?t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

?We?ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they?re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He?s one of them,? Haley said, referring to Cottam. ?There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.?

Among those are rookies Jake O?Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O?Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam?s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren?t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends ? 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 ? quarterback Matt Cassel?s options aren?t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

?We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,? Haley said. ?We?re having a hard time in some simple areas.?

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs? offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won?t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam?s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend?s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs? five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez?s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he?s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he?s ready to carry Kansas City?s full load ? and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

?Coming from last year to this year,? he said, ?being here all this time and being in the NFL, I?m so much more comfortable with everything ? on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It?s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.?

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL?s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

?I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,? Haley said. ?Now, he wasn?t so good on another one.

?That?s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he?s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.?

Cottam said he remains confident that he?ll be the Chiefs? opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don?t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Cottam will start, Haley seems to be a good motivator in the Parcells kinda way of turnover is the natural order and the best player will play. This not only motivates the eventual starter but also makes the depth alot better as well. Just look at the Patriots and how well they have handled many many injuries over the years. Hopefully we can achieve half of that without the outright cheating that disrespects the game as a whole

RealSNR

06-12-2009, 11:02 AM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.

I'm not going to quote the whole thing, but I really want Cottam to develop and be a BAMF because he has the highest ceiling I think.

RealSNR

06-12-2009, 12:01 PM

Question... does anyone know why Pioli/Haley fell in love with Miami, OH TEs? He picked up BOTH of them, and neither were that impressive in college.

shitgoose

06-12-2009, 12:23 PM

Competition tight for Gonzalez’s old job (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1247717.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez is gone, and that’s not changing. That leaves a group of Chiefs tight ends fighting for Gonzalez’s scraps — and the competition for whatever is left of those 100-catch seasons is fiercer than Kansas City coach Todd Haley might have predicted.

The starting job was supposed to be Brad Cottam’s job to take. Now, it could go to any of the Chiefs’ five remaining tight ends.

The way Haley sees it, that’s a good problem for Kansas City to have.

“We went from being thin,” Haley said this week, “to having a nice competition.”

It does mean that Cottam, Gonzalez’s heir apparent, hasn’t yet grabbed the starting spot after Gonzalez was traded in April to Atlanta. Haley said the position is open, and months could pass before the Chiefs have their man.

“We’ve got some guys who have some potential and look like they’re pretty hungry and are pretty serious about making a fight for it. He’s one of them,” Haley said, referring to Cottam. “There are some pretty competitive guys there who realize there is a window of opportunity and a legitimate shot.”

Among those are rookies Jake O’Connell, whom the Chiefs drafted this year in the seventh round, and undrafted free agent Tom Crabtree. Haley singled out both players this week as being in the mix. They should be used to pushing each other and competing for playing time and catches: They were teammates at Miami of Ohio, where O’Connell had 46 career catches and Crabtree 40.

Neither possesses Cottam’s 6-foot-7 frame, but both enter the NFL with more experience as a receiving tight end than Cottam, who was drafted last year in the third round with blocking in mind. Cottam said this week that he has spent long hours working on catching passes, an effort that has had its encouraging and disappointing moments, but the Chiefs aren’t in a position to gamble with any position.

With an unproven group of wide receivers and a cluster of young tight ends — 29-year-old Sean Ryan is the only one older than 26 — quarterback Matt Cassel’s options aren’t yet as dependable as the Chiefs would like.

“We need to improve our execution of just the basic pass game right now,” Haley said. “We’re having a hard time in some simple areas.”

Haley acknowledged that Cottam has the experience edge in the Chiefs’ offense as offseason practice winds down and concludes next week, but that won’t guarantee him the starting job. Haley said Cottam’s size occasionally works against him, causing several stumbles during last weekend’s minicamp, and Haley is waiting for one of the Chiefs’ five tight ends to shorten the gap between a star such as Gonzalez and the man who will at least line up in Gonzalez’s old starting spot.

Cottam insisted he’s capable, even if he admitted that work remains before he’s ready to carry Kansas City’s full load — and, perhaps most important, being a reliable receiving target.

“Coming from last year to this year,” he said, “being here all this time and being in the NFL, I’m so much more comfortable with everything — on the field, off the field, knowing what to expect. It’s different with a new coach and stuff, but it feels like you can really come in and focus on football.”

Cottam said last year he had to contend with moving to Kansas City, finding a home and adjusting to the NFL’s demands. But there was an acceptable learning curve because Gonzalez was there, and Cottam could ease into his new responsibilities. Now, with time adding more pressure, he could lose any grip on the starting job the longer it remains available.

Cottam, 24, has lined up mostly with the first-team offense during seven-on-seven drills during the last week, and Haley has spent as much time praising Cottam as suggesting ways he could inch closer toward the starting lineup.

“I got a little excited about a couple of things he did in the passing game,” Haley said. “Now, he wasn’t so good on another one.

“That’s a difficult position to be in for any of these guys, whether he’s been here longer than some of these other guys or not.”

Cottam said he remains confident that he’ll be the Chiefs’ opening-day starter. There is time to work on his footwork and improve still on his receiving skills. He admitted again that he might never be Gonzalez, but the Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t need a star at tight end. A reliable blocker and receiver, though, would be just fine.